Here we go folks! Strap yourselves in as Super League returns for 2021 with a new team, new players and new coaches. Let's find out what I make of this year's runners and riders...
CASTLEFORD TIGERS
Coach: Daryl Powell
2020: 8th
Odds: 12/1
Notable Ins: Niall Evalds (Salford) Lewis Bienik (Hull FC) Suaia Matagi (Huddersfield) Gareth O'Brien (Toronto) Jordan Turner (Huddersfield)
Notable Outs: Jordan Rankin (Parramatta) Matt Cook (Widnes) Bailey Hodgson (Newcastle) Mike McMeeken (Catalans) Junior Moors (Featherstone)
2021 is going to be Daryl Powell's last as Castleford coach after a brilliant run at the club. I think this could be one of his most challenging years. The Tigers have lost influential second rower Mike McMeeken as well as full-back Jordan Rankin. Junior Moors and Matt Cook's impact has decreased recently but they are still players of significant experience and will be missed. Still, some of their business has been good, particularly getting Niall Evalds from Salford, one of the most exciting players in the league to watch. Jake Trueman and Danny Richardson form a likeable half-back partnership and Castleford will score points, with Powell's attacking style of rugby, but their defence looks very poor to me - beyond Watts and Millington their prop options are weak.
Prediction: 8th
Prediction: 8th
CATALANS DRAGONS
Coach: Steve McNamara
2020: 4th
Odds: 14/1
Notable Ins: Gil Dudson (Salford) Mike McMeeken (Castleford) Dean Whare (Penrith)
Notable Outs: David Mead (Brisbane) Lewis Tierney (Leigh) Antoni Maria (Lezignan) Sam Moa (Lezignan) Lucas Albert (Carcassone) Remi Casty (released) Israel Folau (unknown)
It's a very different-looking Catalans side to the one that got to the playoff semi-finals in 2020. I actually rate all three of their signings - McMeeken is a quality second rower, Gil Dudson is pretty reliable and Dean Whare has bags of experience in the NRL for the Panthers. But it's the outgoings that concern me for Steve McNamara's men. David Mead was capable of moments of quality and releasing their inspirational captain Remi Casty is a surprising decision. Then there is Israel Folau, who, whatever you think of him, had a superb season for the Dragons and brought so much ability to that centre position. I feel that Catalans' creativity is now all going to be down to Sam Tomkins unless James Maloney has a better 2021. I also don't expect them to be as dominant in the forward pack - something that you would've associated with Catalans for many years now. I think they'll miss out on the playoffs.
Prediction: 7th
HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS
Coach: Ian Watson
2020: 7th
Odds: 12/1
Notable Ins: Jack Ashworth (St Helens) Ricky Leutele (Melbourne) Jack Cogger (Canterbury) Josh Jones (Hull FC) Luke Yates (Salford)
Notable Outs: Jordan Turner (Castleford) Suaia Matagi (Castleford, loan) Reiss Butterworth (Dewsbury) Akuila Uate (retired)
For the first time since probably 2015, there is genuine expectation on Huddersfield this season. They beat off the competition of fellow Super League clubs to secure Ian Watson to come and lead them in their new era. Watson has been the most sought-after coach in Super League after his work with Salford which has seen them upset all odds, while playing attractive rugby league. Crucially, Huddersfield have also kept hold of Aidan Sezer, who made the dream team last year. He will be partnered with either Lee Gaskell or new signing Jack Cogger, from the NRL. Ricky Leutele is a brilliant signing and could be one of the most shrewd acquisitions of the year. Watson has also brought Salford old boys Josh Jones and Luke Yates with him, both of whom are great captures. Interestingly, Jones has been handed squad number 13, suggesting he'll find himself at loose forward. I expect Huddersfield to improve and just about make the playoffs, but the increased expectations on them may prove too much to go any further than that just yet.
Prediction: 6th
HULL FC
Coach: Brett Hodgson
2020: 6th
Odds: 11/1
Notable Ins: Josh Reynolds (Wests)
Notable Outs: Ratu Naulago (Rugby Union) Lewis Bienik (Castleford) Josh Jones (Huddersfield) Kieran Buchanan (Batley) Gareth Ellis (Retired) Albert Kelly (Released)
As ever, there is plenty of hope and expectation bubbling around Hull FC as the new season gets closer. This year, though, I feel more confident about them than in a long time that they can finally become a consistent side and break into the top three. Warrington Wolves legend Brett Hodgson takes over as coach, a very exciting appointment. This is his first coaching gig but he was assistant at Wests, and he's already making his connections count, bringing former State of Origin half-back Josh Reynolds over from the Tigers in the Black and White's only signing so far. He replaces Albert Kelly, who will be missed, while the pace of Ratu Naulago on the wing is near-impossible to replace. FC can be excited about the new season though after an impressive win over York in a pre-season friendly, in which Reynolds went well, as did the enigmatic Jake Connor. Connor has been handed the number one shirt, so a permanent move to full-back looks on the cards. Who better to get the best out of him there than one of Super League's all-time great full-backs in Hodgson? I'm tipping Connor, and Hull, to have a big year.
Prediction: 3rd
HULL KR
Coach: Tony Smith
2020: 11th
Odds: 50/1
Notable Ins: Albert Vete (Melbourne) Ryan Hall (Sydney) Korbin Sims (St George) Brad Takairangi (Parramatta) Luis Johnson (Warrington) Muizz Mustapha (Leeds, loan)
Notable Outs: Jamie Ellis (Leigh) Ryan Brierley (Leigh) Matty Gee (Leigh) Nathaniel Peteru (Leigh) Robbie Mulhern (Warrington) Mitch Garbutt (Toulouse) Dan Murray (Halifax) Will Oakes (Dewsbury) Kyle Trout (Released) Weller Hauraki (Released)
Many are tipping Hull KR for relegation after they finished bottom of the pile in 2020. For me though, their recruitment will keep them up. They have targeted experience, both in Super League and the NRL and have come up with some impressive signings. Ryan Hall, one of Super League's greatest ever wingers, returns to the competition after a disappointing stint in the NRL - what kind of state will he be in? If he can produce even half of what he did for Leeds, KR will be guaranteed of points from that wing with him and Shaun Kenny-Dowall together. Albert Vete and Korbin Sims are both NRL-quality forwards who will beef up that department and make them difficult to play against, particularly at home. The Robins have also made permanent the signing of Luis Johnson, a former Warrington youngster who I rate and could have a good season in East Yorkshire. They have lost a lot of players too, but no-one that I'd be too concerned about as I think they've replaced well. In Tony Smith, they have a vastly experienced and first-class coach and this, along with their recruitment, will keep them up.
Prediction: 10th
LEEDS RHINOS
Coach: Richard Agar
2020: 5th
Odds: 11/1
Notable Ins: Zane Tetevano (Penrith) King Vuniyayawa (New Zealand) Kyle Eastmond (Rugby Union)
Notable Outs: Adam Cuthbertson (York) Rhys Evans (Bradford) Wellington Albert (Keighley) Muizz Mustapha (Hull KR, loan) Stevie Ward (Retired) Ava Seumanufagi (Released)
The Rhinos made some inroads into returning to their former glories last year, lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley after a hard-fought win over Salford and making the playoffs after a fifth-placed finish. This is a squad that boasts a lot of quality young players such as Jack Walker, (who will miss part of this season through injury) Harry Newman, who I am a huge fan of, last season's golden boot winner Ash Handley, and others including Jack Broadbent and impressive forward Mikolaj Oledzki. I think Zane Tetevano could be a huge signing in the forwards pack for Richard Agar's team and I would not be at all surprised to see him make the Dream Team at the end of the season. Then there is the enigma of Kyle Eastmond, who finally makes his return to rugby league. It's hard to know what to make of him but if he hits the ground running and finds the quality that he's always had then the Rhinos will be a threat. Another year of improvement for Leeds, but they're not quite there yet.
Prediction: 5th
LEIGH CENTURIONS
Coach: John Duffy
2020: Promoted from Championship
Odds: 66/1
Notable Ins: Nathan Peats (Gold Coast) Jamie Ellis (Hull KR) Matty Gee (Hull KR) Adam Sidlow (Toronto) Ben Flower (Wigan) Lewis Tierney (Catalans) Matty Russell (Toronto) Blake Wallace (Toronto) Ryan Brierley (Hull KR) James Bell (Toulouse) Nathaniel Peteru (Hull KR)
Notable Outs: Danny Addy (Salford) Ben Reynolds (Toulouse)
The newcomers for 2021, it's hard to know what to expect from Leigh as they haven't played a competitive match for over a year. But their first foray into Super League since 2017 brings with it excitement, after a recruitment drive that has focused on Super League experience. The likes of Matty Russell, Ben Flower and Adam Sidlow all bring that and will be useful additions. I think Lewis Tierney is a really good winger and this is one of Leigh's best captures as if they get the ball to him, he will score plenty of tries. Of course though, Leigh's biggest piece of business is their sensational move for hooker Nathan Peats, who has played in the NRL for the last nine years for Souths, Parramatta and Gold Coast, as well as representing New South Wales in the State of Origin 2017. Getting an Origin representative is a major coup for Leigh and Peats' quality will be enormous for them in their battle to survive their first season back. They have a tough start but I expect them to improve gradually as the year goes on and just about avoid relegation.
Prediction: 11th
SALFORD RED DEVILS
Coach: Richard Marshall
2020: 9th
Odds: 50/1
Notable Ins: Joe Burgess (Wigan) Danny Addy (Leigh) Elijah Taylor (Wests) Oliver Roberts (Huddersfield, loan) Morgan Escare (Wigan) Declan Patton (Warrington) Darcy Lussick (Free Agent) Harvey Livett (Warrington) Sam Luckley (Free Agent) Sebastine Ikahihifo (Huddersfield, loan)
Notable Outs: Niall Evalds (Castleford) Gil Dudson (Catalans) Joey Lussick (Parramatta) Kris Welham (Featherstone) Mark Flanagan (Retired)
It's a new era at Salford as the club begin life without Ian Watson. They have also lost free-scoring Niall Evalds, captain Gil Dudson and influential hooker Joey Lussick, all of whom have played massive parts in Salford's resurgence over the last two years. However, they've been very busy in the market and have made some exciting additions. Evalds' replacement is Morgan Escare, the former Catalans, Wigan and Wakefield back. I am a huge Escare fan - he is an elusive player with an enormous amount of technical skill. I'm interested to see if they use him at full-back after Dan Sarginson went so well there last season, but from their friendly win over Wigan last week, it looks like Sarginson will be back at centre, next to the excellent Krisnan Inu. Joe Burgess and Oliver Roberts are superb signings for Salford as well and Elijah Taylor could be a massive coup - a player with bags of NRL experience. I think this will be a transitional year for Salford as Richard Marshall begins his first year of coaching in the Super League. They might miss out on the playoffs, but they'll be well clear of danger.
Prediction: 9th
ST HELENS
Coach: Kristian Woolf
2020: 2nd - Grand Final Winners
Odds: 9/4
Notable Ins: Joel Thompson (Manly) Agnatius Paasi (New Zealand) Sione Mata'utia (Newcastle) Dan Norman (London)
Notable Outs: Joseph Paulo (Toulouse) Jack Ashworth (Huddersfield) James Graham (Retired) Dom Peyroux (Toulouse)
2019 and 2020 champions St Helens are looking to make it a three-peat this year after their incredibly dramatic Grand Final win over Wigan in November. Last year, Kristian Woolf took them away from the fluid, fast rugby they played under Justin Holbrook and instead went for an approach focused on size, strength and yardage. He has brought in twoNRL forwards to help him with that - Joel Thompson from the Sea Eagles, who will likely play in the seacond row, and Agnatius Paasi, who will compete with young Matty Lees for the front row spot vacated by retiring legend James Graham. I'm not sure where they'll play Sione Mata'utia as he's been given the 14 shirt so looks like he won't be starting games for now, but is a great option from the bench. Saints also have Mark Percival returning from injury, a huge boost, as despite Jack Welsby's heroics in Hull, they missed the quality and knowhow of Percival at times last season. They have kept hold of all of their main men, meaning Lachlan Coote, Tommy Makinson, Regan Grace, Kevin Naiqama, Jonny Lomax, Theo Fages, Alex Walmsley, James Roby and Morgan Knowles are all part of a squad now bolstered with three NRL players. It's between them and Wigan for the top spot.
Prediction: 2nd
WAKEFIELD TRINITY
Coach: Chris Chester
2020: 10th
Odds: 50/1
Notable Ins: Mason Lino (Newcastle) Eddie Battye (London)
Notable Outs: Ryan Atkins (York) Danny Brough (Bradford) Craig Kopczak (Featherstone) Ben Jones-Bishop (York) Danny Kirmond (York) Romain Navarette (London) Tony Gigot (Released)
I'm very worried for Wakefield this season. Their 2020 ended in hopeless fashion and they've been on the downturn for some time now. While they haven't lost anyone of note, their incomings are underwhelming to say the least. Mason Lino may be a half-back from the NRL but he has barely played for the Knights in the last two years. I like Eddie Battye, a hard-working prop, but they need more than just those two. Wakefield actually do have some quality - Tom Johnstone is one of the top three wingers in the league, Bill Tupou is a top-quality centre, David Fifita can be a world-class prop on his day and Kelepi Tanginoa is a first-class second rower. The problem Trinity have is that their squad is so injury-prone that they rarely find themselves able to field their strongest thirteen. Barring some last-minute recruitment to bolster their ranks and add some much-needed depth, I think this might be a year of relegation for Wakefield.
Prediction: 12th
WARRINGTON WOLVES
Coach: Steve Price
2020: 3rd
Odds: 13/2
Notable Ins: Greg Inglis (Out of Retirement) Rob Butler (London) Robbie Mulhern (Hull KR)
Notable Outs: Ben Murdoch-Masila (New Zealand) Anthony Gelling (unknown) Declan Patton (Salford) Harvey Livett (Salford) Luis Johnson (Hull KR) Leilani Latu (released)
Like Daryl Powell, Steve Price is moving on at the end of 2021 after four seasons at Warrington. Price has so far failed to deliver Old Trafford glory but the club have secured the signing of a rugby league immortal in Greg Inglis, though it waits to be seen what condition he is in two years after retiring from the game. Gareth Widdop has stayed put and looked in fine form in their pre-season win over Leigh - get him fit and firing and Price's team could be tough to stop. They have quality all over the pitch with Stefan Ratchford, Toby King, Mike Cooper and Ben Currie, as well as the best hooker in the league, Daryl Clark. They really could've done with better signings in the forwards department though - players like Chris Hill and Jack Hughes were looking a bit long in the tooth last year. Other than the Inglis signing though, it is much the same side that has struggled to perform on the big occasion in the last two years, so it is hard to see Wire get their elusive Grand Final this year.
Prediction: 4th
Prediction: 4th
WIGAN WARRIORS
Coach: Adrian Lam
2020: 1st - Runners-Up
Odds: 9/4
Notable Ins: John Bateman (Canberra) Jai Field (Parramatta)
Notable Outs: Morgan Escare (Salford) Harry Rushton (Canberra) Ben Flower (Leigh) Chris Hankinson (London) Sean O'Loughlin (Retired) Joe Burgess (Salford)
TAfter finishing as League Leaders and then missing out on Grand Final by the slimmest of margins in 2020, the Warriors have responded with huge moves in the recruitment market. After two brilliant years with Canberra, second-rower John Bateman returns to the club he represented so well from 2014-2018 and is already one of the early favourites for Man of Steel. Another of the front-runners for the award is Jai Field, who Wigan have captured from the Parramatta Eels. The 23-year-old boasts absolutely frightening pace and adds electricity to a team that wasn't exactly short of speed anyway. As well as their incomings, Wigan have managed to keep hold of both Bevan French and Jackson Hastings. There are some questions over Hastings but he has now returned to the UK after the off-season and assuming he stays for the season, he and Field could be unbelievable together in the halves. Add the searing pace of French - last year's Man of Steel in my mind - behind them, as well as the security of Zak Hardaker at centre and the returning Oliver Gildart and Dominic Manfredi from injuries, and it's a team that will score lots of points. But with Sam Powell and Thomas Leuluai likely to be rotating at nine and big, mean props like Oliver Partington, and the back rowers of Liam Farrell and Bateman, and they look terrifying in defence too. My only doubts are over Adrian Lam - I don't think he's a particularly good coach - and how they cope with the retirement of club legend Sean O'Loughlin. But, I think they'll finish top again and be crowned League Leaders.
Prediction: 1st
Super League Table Prediction
1) Wigan
2) St Helens
3) Hull FC
4) Warrington
5) Leeds
6) Huddersfield
7) Catalans
8) Castleford
9) Salford
10) Hull KR
11) Leigh
12) Wakefield
Grand Final Winners: St Helens
Challenge Cup Winners: Wigan
Challenge Cup Winners: Wigan
Promoted from Championship: Toulouse
Dream Team Prediction
FB: Jake Connor (Hull FC)
W: Tommy Makinson (St Helens)
C: Oliver Gildart (Wigan)
C: Ricky Leutele (Huddersfield)
W: Regan Grace (St Helens)
SO: Jonny Lomax (St Helens)
SH: Jai Field (Wigan)
P: Zane Tetevano (Leeds)
HK: Daryl Clark (Warrington)
P: Alex Walmsley (St Helens)
SR: Ben Currie (Warrington)
SR: John Bateman (Wigan)
LF: Ligi Sao (Hull FC)
Man of Steel: John Bateman (Wigan)
@ALooseWire
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